A4 Aizu

Activities to support those living in temporary accommodation and evacuation centres during the winter months

Organization

Terakoya Hojosha

Location

Aizu Wakamatsu-shi & Aizu Misato-cho

Period

1 December 2011- 30 April 2012 (5 months)

Amount

1.5 million yen

Brief outline

Working with people evacuated from Futaba-gun to the Aizu area, this project provides materials to help with winter living, operates a study support programme for primary and junior high school students, and conducts a socialising tea programme for elderly people.

Rationale for project

Some 4 – 5,000 have been evacuated to Aizu Misato from towns affected by the nuclear incident. Coming from the coast, many are worried about winter in the very snowy Aizu area.

During the summer holidays, a study support programme was provided with volunteers in one area of temporary accommodation. However, it is 10km from the student volunteer population (too far to cycle), so has not been repeated.

The evacuee population is relatively young, with about 20% being aged 0-18. Many are falling behind with their school work because of moving home and school,and general uncertainty and stress.

As winter approaches there is a danger that many elderly people will become housebound.There may be problems because of the cold and snow, and a need for a place to learn from local people how to live in a snowy district.

The applicant organization is well placed to offer its services, from previous experience working with school refusers and providing emotional support to vulnerable children. It has a good understanding of local conditions and will be able effectively to support evacuees in an unfamiliar situation.